Posted on 08/16/2008 11:59:35 AM PDT by XR7
LAKE FOREST, Calif. — When John McCain and Barack Obama appear on the same stage today, they will vividly demonstrate the reach that has made the Rev. Rick Warren among the most significant evangelists of his generation.
He's a megastar who leads the nation's fourth-largest church and reaches thousands of ministers through the Internet and crusades against poverty and AIDS. That globe-trotting work and his successful book — "The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?" — puts him at the vanguard of a movement that inspires young, socially conscious Christians.
But his willingness to soft-pedal political issues once central to U.S. evangelicals, such as opposition to abortion, has opened him to criticism that he has strayed from his calling to spread the Gospel.
Today's forum also is a sign of religion's importance in the 2008 presidential campaign, and the emergence of a new style of evangelical leadership on the national stage that is not tied to a single party and has broadened its social agenda beyond that of the religious right.
"This is absolutely a changing of the guard, and it suggests that the new guard of the evangelical movement is able to generate the attention and focus of both parties," said D. Michael Lindsay, a sociologist at Rice University and author of "Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite."
Warren personally invited the two candidates — "friends of mine" — via their cellphones. His event at the Saddleback Church will be broadcast live on CNN and Fox News Channel and streamed on the Web. It has among its aims "helping the church regain credibility and encouraging our society to return to civility," he said.
It's likely that fans and critics will be watching closely...
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
If this is a preview of the debates then Obama is in big trouble.
How could the KJV be the authorized version from God? Did God write the KJV, or did man translate the Word into the King’s English?
I came in for Obama’s last few minutes ... did he really say questions about abortion or any thing is above his pay grade? The pay grade he is going after is the most powerful office/pay grade on earth and doesn’t allow that kind of wiggling. Especially since as a lowly state senator he was very opinionated about abortion, up to live birth abortion.
He would have been nailed had he not given that answer. The MSM wud have had a field day.
I hope someone taped this... the later version will be edited. Trust me, I had some real experiences re: dem debate sections.
Can you say President John Mccain ?????????
Pick a great VP John and I’ll go beyond considering....
Was this asked of Obambi?
Yes McCain will be our next President :)
Only if Barry's IFB is busted.
The Fox pundits loved Obama. Just like they loved Kerry and Gore in the debates. Problem is a majority of Americans always disagree with them. Ask AL and John Effin.
I think the Big-O is gonna have to put some ice on that!!
Missed it, still without cable, and was not willing to upset myself when the O was on and get Fox or C-SPAN stream. Could you give me context?
Thanks!!
MOgirl
I might need to go get a yard sign tomorrow..
What outside questions did Obama get?
Something happened to Obama in Hawaii.. I think he and Michelle are having problems.. he was more subdued that usual.
Looked different to me, but I’ll keep watching.
Saved and forgiven
The simple Gospel...
As far as I am concerned McCain has answered honorably, honestly and directly. I now believe that he is a worthy candidate for the GOP. I will pray for this man that he may prevail.
yes-same questions to both.
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